8m QRP FT8 TX

In a few moments I hope to be on 8m QRP FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz (first). 

UPDATE 1748z:  No spots on RX or TX. Perhaps another day I shall reach the USA? 10m WSPR has been good to the USA, but the E-W F2 MUF needs to reach 40.682 MHz.

Bury St Edmunds Abbey Gardens - NOT amateur radio

These are the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds. We went there today. 

Museum van - NOT amateur radio

This little van used to do deliveries locally.  It was in our local museum across the road yesterday. 

Sunspots - Wednesday October 12th 2022

Solar flux is 150 and the SSN 72.  A=7 and K=1.

70cm activity contest (UKAC) October

This evening, I took part in the 70cm activity contest (UKAC). In all, 3 stations were worked when using 10W and the 2m big-wheel omni antenna. I was on for under an hour.

The impression I am getting is there are fewer SSB stations active than there were a few years ago. Perhaps more are using FT8 than SSB these days? Unless I am mistaken the 70cm FT8 UKAC is tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how busy this is. My expectation is there will be far more people active during this.

Scotland - NOT amateur radio

People say Scotland is one of the most beautiful places on earth when it is not raining. When it rains it can be very drab. 

One of the people I follow on 365project usually has photos of the Shetland Islands. This photo is of a place on the mainland. 

8m QRP FT8 TX (Tuesday)

Although I was not planning to go on 8m until late this afternoon, I am already on QRP 8m FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz.

You may be interested in my 8m webpage. See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/8m-band .

UPDATE 1732z:  No spots today.

Video channel

A reminder that some of my videos might be of interest. Most are about amateur radio. A few are not. Many give more details of some of my projects.

See https://www.youtube.com/user/G3XBM

10m WSPR QRP TX

My plan for today is to go on 10m QRP WSPR (500mW) TX and switch to 8m QRP TX FT8 later this afternoon. As the table shows, several 10m WSPR spots from the USA yesterday.

10m WSPR spots of my QRP
500mW beacon yesterday

UPDATE 0948z:  On QRP 10m WSPR now.

UPDATE 1342z:  Spotted by several stations in the USA.

UPDATE 1717z:  10 stations spotted.

Cambridge Sightseeing - NOT amateur radio

Most big cities around the world have a bus to take tourists around to see the sights. 

I have no idea what they charge, but they can be a useful way to get your bearings. 

Sunspots - Tuesday October 11th 2022

Solar flux is 163 and the SSN 134. A=10 and K=2.

10m QRP WSPR TX

As the 10m antenna is available when on 8m FT8 QRP, I decided to go on 10m QRP WSPR TX with the 500mW beacon.

8m QRP FT8 TX (Monday)

Although I have been on 8m for about 2 hours, no spots at all at 1805z. Another disappointing day.

Family history - NOT amateur radio

One of my Facebook memories today was this post about family history.

Plans for today (Monday)

This morning, I shall not be on. After lunch, I hope to be on 10m FT8 RX.  Later, if thing are promising, I expect to be on 8m QRP FT8 TX as well as 10m WSPR QRP TX. 

My U3A course in Cambridge starts this afternoon, so I shall not be on TX until late afternoon.

Apple day - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday our neighbour, who has a big orchard of apples, had an apple day where we picked our own. I can see some chutney coming! 

Sunspots - Monday October 10th 2022

Solar flux is 161 and the SSN 114. A=24 and and K=4.

8m QRP FT8 TX (Sunday)

After several hours on 8m QRP TX FT8 on 40.680 MHz (it is now 2005z) I have again failed to get any spots from the USA, or anywhere else. 

At some point I shall make it.

UPDATE 2025z:  Now QRT.

Norwich - NOT amateur radio

Norwich was forgotten by the UK industrial revolution. Today, it is a bit cut off, whereas years ago it was the second most important city in England because of the wool trade. 

I love Norwich. 

Bell hunting - NOT amateur radio

Every other Sunday, we go bell hunting with our grandson who is nearly 15. 

He has rung now in about 50 churches. He has a YouTube channel called Ringer Luke. 

Currently he is doing a project on unringable bells. These are bells that cannot be rung in the conventional way as they are no longer safe. Today we went to Impington near Cambridge, where some of the bells were damaged by water dripping.